Dear Donny

QMy garage has a flat roof of felt over wood which is over 20 years old. It’s not leaking, but I’ve given it a couple of coats of Thompson’s 10 Year Roof Seal in recent years. This is now blistering and peeling, and there are drips from under the felt at the edge of the roof. Any advice would be appreciated. Mike Clemson, by email

Flashing tape will fix small leaks but eventually you will need to replace the roofing felt. If roofing felt is not protected from the sun it will expand, contract then crack, usually at the edges. You should get about 20 years from a good quality roofing felt.

AQDuring the recent storms I’ve heard a noise like a train coming from my UPVC window, but there is no wind actually getting in. I have tried resealing it but with no success. What should I try next?

Marie Ferry, Co Derry

Is there any sign of structural movement in the surrounding wall, such as cracks on exterior brickwork or interior plaster? Or it might be that the window frames were not secured properly. A window fitter would be the best person to diagnose this.

AWhen you’re drilling through tiles, have a damp sponge on hand. Squeeze water into the hole as it forms to stop the drill bit from overheating. Doing this will also keep dust levels down.

QCan you suggest a coating for my fence panels? They were put up two years ago and last year I put two coats of DIY fence paint on there for protection. But within a couple of months it started to discolour and streak. Any ideas? Maureen Mcclure, by email

I always use products made by OSMO. You can get their paints from Crown Decorating Centres. OSMO products are great quality – they last for ages and they’re easy to apply. You will probably need a couple of coats to cover up the existing streaky paint. OSMO’S Country Colour range is terrific due to its UV resistance.

ASEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: diy.donny@trinitymirror.com

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Erbauer Diamond Tile

Drill Bit 6mm

You need to use diamond-tipped bits for drilling porcelain tiles because they are so hard. This bit is up to the job. Get it from screwfix.com.